When your convertible top is replaced, it is necessary to have a "break-in" period for your new top. We usually recommend a break-in period of two to three weeks. During the break in period, the top must stay latched in the "up" position.
A break-in period is necessary for two reasons. Once installed on the car, convertible top material stretches. Depending on the time of year, this stretching process takes two to three weeks. Once the top stretches out it should have a nice tight look. Therefore, we put new tops on extra tight so that they will still be tight when they stretch out. For best results it is important for the stretch process to happen without interruption.
Second, as the top stretches out in some places, it will tighten up in others. As the top changes, so will positions of the frame, pads, and seals. This "settling-in" process will affect things like effort to close the top, wind noise, and weather tightness. Generally all these things will improve as the top settles into place.
Once the break-in period is over, Premier invites customers back so we can perform the first fold down of the new top. The first fold down sets "memory" in the top material - the top will tend to fold down the rest of its life as it was folded down the first time. We like to make folds straight and neat, and minimize their number. Certain tops need to be specially folded to avoid developing wear spots and holes. As we do this together, the customer is able to verify that their top is working up and down properly. Finally, this visit gives us the opportunity to correct then any small problems the customer may have noticed during the break-in period.
We also recommend a break-in period and customer training for new convertible window installtion. New rear window assemblies need to stretch for one week after installation. We show customers how to train new plastic windows to fold without kinks.